A good man is willing to know the worst of himself, and particularly under affliction, desires to be told wherefore God contends with him and what God designs in correcting him.
Matthew HenryRead
Extraordinary afflictions are not always the punishment of extraordinary sins, but sometimes the trial of extraordinary graces.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Difficult experiences can be tests of our strengths rather than punishments for our faults.
This quote suggests that facing extraordinary challenges does not always signify that one has committed grave wrongdoings; rather, such afflictions can serve as a means to reveal and strengthen our extraordinary virtues. It emphasizes the idea that tough times can be opportunities for spiritual growth and the development of resilience and grace.
Themes
AfflictionsGraceTrialsGrowthStrength
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about resilience, one might state, 'As Matthew Henry wisely noted, extraordinary afflictions can hone our strengths.'
More from Matthew Henry
All quotes βThere is a burden of care in getting riches; fear in keeping them; temptation in using them; guilt in abusing them; sorrow in losing them; and a burden of account at last to be given concerning them.
Matthew HenryRead
To wait on God is to live a life of desire toward Him, delight in Him, dependence on Him, and devotedness to Him.
Matthew HenryRead
Scriptures were written, not to satisfy our curiosity and make us astronomers, but to lead us to God, and make us saints.
Matthew HenryRead
What God requires of us he himself works in us, or it is not done. He that commands faith, holiness, and love, creates them by the power of his grace going along with his word, that he may have all the praise.
Matthew HenryRead
No attribute of God is more dreadful to sinners than His holiness.
Matthew HenryRead
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